Bolt: A Dog’s Journey

I think the last Disney movie I saw in the theater was Finding Nemo , and I really liked that film because it presented a simple story, not too much dumbed-down humor (unlike in Nemo), and great animation. It is for these same reasons that I really enjoyed Disney’s newest animated feature, Bolt. In Bolt we experience the adventures of Bolt, a television superhero dog who does not know that his powers are imaginary. Bolt escapes from his Hollywood set and winds up in Manhattan, where he meets the sassy and bitter alley cat, Mittens, and the two of them begin their journey back to Hollywood so that Bolt can be reconnected with his person (and television co-star), Penny. Along the way Bolt learns about life as an ordinary dog—a life he’s missed out on due to his television persona.  It’s a moving story with enough comedy that the whole family can enjoy this film on multiple levels.

In the character of Bolt (voiced by John Travolta), we see a dog dedicated to his person, Penny, who’s been tricked into believing that their adventures, his constant rescuing of her, and his superpowers, are real. He represents why we have pets: for loving companionship, loyalty, and dedication. It is his dedication to Penny that gets him teamed up with his travel companion, Mittens (voiced by Susie Essman), is a self-doubting alley cat putting on a brave face even though she was was abandoned by her family when they moved away. The two of them join up with Rhino (voiced by Mark Walton), a hamster who’s Bolt’s biggest fan, the source of our comic relief, and the voice of unwavering strength in times of struggle that rallies Bolt and Mittens to face whatever challenge is in front of them.  Meanwhile, Petty (voiced by Miley Cyrus), realizes the realities of cruel mistress that is Hollywood after she loses Bolt.  And speaking of, I’m sure I’m not the only one to think that the story of Bolt’s isolation and lack of a normal dog’s life Bolt hit a little close to home for child star Cyrus, but we’ll leave that for the good people at Vanity Fair.

Of biggest note, though, was the character of Rhino.  From the previews I thought this little hamster would have me cringing in my seat, but he was the highlight of every scene he was in—over the top in a Jack Black kind of way before he became mainstream.  But he was equally inspiring, for after his years of television viewing he had a firm sense of morality and the big picture of life.  (I knew watching all of that Gossip Girl would pay off some day.)  In Rhino we are all inspired to help the little guy and stand up for what is right; I only hope that the audience will not lose this message in the comedy.  Our other comic relief was the pigeons, which took on the stereotypical personality of wherever they inhabit and who were the most realistic animated style of animal.  Either before or after you see this movie, compare a real pigeon’s neck action to those cartoon birds and you’ll see what I mean.  But maybe that attention to detail is only noticeable because I viewed this film in Disney Digital 3-D, which really enhanced the viewing experience, even if the film was not designed as a traditional 3-D feature, and by that I mean gratuitous items flying out at you.

So go see Bolt.  It has something for everyone of all ages (and emotional maturity level) and can work nicely into your Thanksgiving holiday, either as a way to sneak away from the family or as a way to keep younger relatives (or children) occupied while you’re not suffering through the usual drivel that poses for children’s entertainment.